Optical assembly, method for assembling an optical assembly, system for securing optical elements of an optical assembly and a spring for securing optical elements of an optical assembly

ABSTRACT

A monolithic frame for optics used in interferometers where the material of the monolithic frame may have a substantially different coefficient of thermal expansion from the beamsplitter and compensator without warping, bending or distorting the optics. This is accomplished through providing a securing apparatus holding the optics in place while isolating the expansion thereof from the expansion of the frame. Stability in optical alignment is therefore achieved without requiring a single material or materials of essentially identical coefficients of thermal expansion. The present invention provides stability in situations where it is not possible to utilize a single material for every component of the interferometer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to provisional U.S. application Ser.No. 61/086,603, filed on Aug. 6, 2008, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of monolithic interferometers.Such monolithic interferometers provide stability in optical alignmentby, among other factors, using a single material. The present inventionprovides stability in situations where it is not possible to utilize asingle material for every component of the interferometer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fourier transform infrared (“FTIR”) spectrometers are well known in theart. Michelson interferometers function by splitting a beam ofelectromagnetic radiation into two separate beams via a beam splitter.Each beam travels along its own path, e.g. a reference path of fixedlength and a measurement path of variable length. A reflecting element,such as a retroreflector, is placed in the path of each beam and returnsthem both to the beam splitter. The beams are there recombined into asingle exit beam. The variable path length causes the combined exit beamto be amplitude modulated due to interference between the fixed andvariable length beams. By analyzing the output beam, the spectrum, whichis the intensity of the input beam as a function of frequency, may bederived after suitable calibration.

When the above interferometer is employed in a FTIR spectrometer, theexit beam is focused upon a detector. If a sample is placed such thatthe modulated beam passes through it prior to impinging upon thedetector, the analysis performed can determine the absorption spectrumof the sample. The sample may also be placed otherwise in thearrangement to obtain other characteristics.

Because Michelson interferometers rely upon the interference fromrecombination of the two beams, a quality factor of such a device is thedegree to which the optical elements remain aligned. The beam splitterand mirror-supporting structures must be isolated to the greatestpossible degree from extraneous forces which would tend to producedistortions of the structure. Such forces and resultant distortionsintroduce inaccuracies into the optical measurements. The forces mayarise from vibrational effects from the environment and can berotational or translational in nature. A similarly pervasive issueconcerns distortions due to changes in the thermal environment. Needlessto say, considerations of weight, size, facility of use, efficiency,manufacturing cost and feasibility are also of primary importance.

Prior art optical assemblies used in the construction of standardMichelson interferometers, and other type interferometers, haveconsisted primarily of structures having parts which are in need of highaccuracy alignment. For example, the arrangement of the two reflectingassemblies and the beamsplitter must be highly accurate in theperpendicular and reflecting arrangements in order to avoid errorsintroduced due to any such misalignment. The trouble with these priorart interferometers and optical assemblies arises from the costsinvolved in meticulously aligning the optical elements, the necessityfor active subsystems to maintain the alignment, and subsequent costs toservice and readjust the interferometer if shocks and vibrations haveintroduced uncompensated misalignment.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,949,543 and 6,141,101 to Bleier and Vishnia addressedthe above issues with a monolithic interferometer constructed from asingle material, preferably a material having a low coefficient ofthermal expansion. However, it is not always possible to utilize amonolithic interferometer made out of a single material becausematerials having reflectance/transmittance properties appropriate to anecessary wavelength of light may not technically or economically lendthemselves to elements of the monolithic interferometer other than theoptical elements.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a monolithicinterferometer with optical elements of a different material than theremainder of the interferometer that, nevertheless, provides highaccuracy measurements. Such an interferometer would facilitate easy andcost effective maintenance by replacement of the entire opticalassembly, which optical assembly is not subject to misalignment fromshocks, vibrations, or temperature changes due to the monolithicstructure of the assembly. It would be further desirable to provide anoptical assembly which allows for use of multiple wavelength lightsources to achieve a “fringe” result in a spectrometry application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a broad object of the invention to provide an opticalassembly for use with a precision instrument comprising a frame assemblyhaving a top plate; a bottom plate; a first support member bondedbetween a first portion of the top plate and a first portion of thebottom plate; and a second support member bonded between a secondportion of the top plate and a second portion of the bottom plate. Thetop plate, bottom plate and support members all formed of one of thesame material or a materials having substantially the same coefficientof thermal expansion and defining a frame interior space. The framehaving a beamsplitter inside the interior space; the beamsplitterextending between the top plate and bottom plate and having a first faceand a second face. A mirror is attached to the frame assembly, themirror having a reflecting surface in a reflecting relation with thebeamsplitter. The beamsplitter is attached to the frame by a securingapparatus having spring arms and mounting buttons, the spring arms eachhaving a free end and an end attached to one of either the top plate orthe bottom plate and the mounting buttons each attached to one of eitherthe top plate or bottom plate, the mounting buttons engaging thebeamsplitter first face and the spring arm free end engaging thebeamsplitter second face. Wherein the optical assembly is substantiallystable regarding the reflective relationship between the mirror and thebeamsplitter and the beamsplitter first and second face having limitedexposure to bending and warping.

The optical assembly securing apparatus may comprise pressure platesattached to the beamsplitter at the point of engagement between thespring arm free end and the beamsplitter second face.

The optical assembly may also have a compensator disposed between themirror and the beamsplitter and the compensator may have its ownsecuring apparatus having spring arms and mounting buttons, thecompensator securing spring arms each having a free end and an endattached to one of either the top plate or the bottom plate and thecompensator securing buttons each attached to one of either the topplate or bottom plate, the compensator securing buttons engaging acompensator first face and the compensator securing spring arm free endengaging a compensator second face.

The spring arm attached end may comprise a cylinder and the top plateand bottom plate further comprising securing apparatus holes sized toreceive the spring arm cylinder.

The optical assembly may also have a second mirror attached to the frameassembly having a reflecting surface facing away from the frame interiorspace.

The securing apparatus may comprise a three-point mounting having twosets of buttons and springs on one of the top plate or bottom plate andone button and spring set on the other of the top plate or bottom plate.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an interferometeris disclosed comprising a radiation source and a monolithic framecomprising a top plate and a bottom plate rigidly held in relation toone another by a first support member bonded to the top plate and thebottom plate and a second support member bonded to the top plate and thebottom plate, the plates and supports of the frame being of the samematerial and defining an interior space. A beamsplitter extends betweenthe top plate and the bottom plate. A first mirror is attached to theframe assembly and has a reflecting surface in a first direct reflectingrelation with the beamsplitter. A second mirror is attached to the frameassembly and has a reflecting surface in a second direct reflectingrelation with a retroreflector. The retroreflector is external to theinterior space, moveable relative to the frame and has a retroreflectionrelation with both the beamsplitter and the second mirror. Thebeamsplitter is attached to the frame by a beamsplitter securingapparatus having spring arms and mounting buttons, the spring arms eachhaving a free end and an end attached to one of either the top plate orthe bottom plate and the mounting buttons each attached to one of eitherthe top plate or bottom plate. The mounting buttons engage abeamsplitter first face and the spring arm free ends engage abeamsplitter second face. Wherein the optical assembly is substantiallystable regarding the reflective relationships and the beamsplitter firstand second face having limited exposure to bending and warping. Thedescribed interferometer may have the same optional components as theoptical assembly described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing how radiation is reflected in a prior artMichelson interferometer;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interferometer having the monolithicoptical assembly of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a monolithic optical assembly of theprior art;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a monolithic optical assembly of the prior art;

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of the optical assembly of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the optical assembly of FIG. 5 with allnon-optical elements removed;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the optical assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7B is a side sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 5, the sectiontaken along line B-B of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7C is a detail sectional view at circle C-C of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective detail of a portion of the optical assembly ofFIG. 5 with the top plate removed to show interior details;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the optical assembly of FIG. 5 with allelements removed other than the beamsplitter 11, compensator 8 and theirassociated securing apparatus; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of spring 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the general principals of a standard Michelsoninterferometer are shown. The Michelson interferometer has a radiationsource 10 which sends a single radiation beam 20 towards beamsplitter 30which is situated at an angle to two mirrors, a fixed mirror 40 and amovable mirror 50. Radiation beam 20 is partially reflected toward fixedmirror 40 in the form of radiation beam 22, and is partially transmittedthrough beamsplitter 30 towards movable mirror 50 as radiation beam 24.Beam 22 is then reflected off of fixed mirror 40, back towardsbeamsplitter 30, where it is once again partially split, sending someradiation 25 back towards source 10, and some radiation 26 towarddetector 60. Similarly, beam 24 reflects off of movable mirror 50 and isreflected back toward beamsplitter 30. Here also, beam 24 is againsplit, sending some radiation back to source 10 and other radiation 26toward detector 60.

Detector 60 measures the interference between the two radiation beamsemanating from the single radiation source. These beams have, by design,traveled different distances (optical path lengths), which creates afringe effect which is measurable by detector 60.

FIG. 2 shows the lay out and component structure of a Michelsoninterferometer of the prior art, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,101 to Bleier,herein incorporated by reference. FIG. 2 shows interferometer 100, andincludes a radiation source 110, a beamsplitter 130, a movablereflecting assembly 150, a fixed reflecting assembly 140 and a detector142. Radiation source 110 is mounted in a secure position by mountingassembly 112. With radiation source 110 in mounting assembly 112,radiation beam 120 is alignable along a path which will fix thedirection of the beam at the appropriate angle to beamsplitter 130.

Radiation source 110 can be collimated white light for generalinterferometry applications, such as optical surface profiling, or evena single collimated radiation intensity laser light source, for accuratedistance measurements.

Movable reflecting assembly 150 may utilize a hollow corner-cuberetroreflector 152. The hollow corner-cube retroreflector 152 could bemade in accordance with the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,084 toLipkins, herein incorporated by reference.

Retroreflector 152 is mounted to a movable base assembly 154, whichassembly allows for adjustment of the location of retroreflector 152 ina line along the path of beam 120. The displacement of assembly 154 isadjustable; e.g., through use of adjusting knob 146. Other means ofmoving assembly 154 are also anticipated by the invention, includingsuch means that might allow for continuous, uniform movement of assembly154. For example, movement of assembly 154 might be accomplished inaccordance with the structure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,111 toBleier, herein incorporated by reference, or by co-pending application12/505,279 filed on Jul. 17, 2009.

The use of retroreflector 152 as movable reflecting assembly 150 allowsfor any angular orientation of retroreflector 152 as long as edgeportions of the retroreflector mirrors do not clip a portion of beam120.

From the foregoing, the length of the light paths 20, 22 and 26 arefixed and known while the length of light path 24 may be varied. Thevariation of the length of light path 26 is, of course, critical to theoperation of the interferometer, as is knowing the length as preciselyas possible.

A monolithic optical assembly 200, as seen in FIG. 3, comprises abeamsplitter 130 and reflecting assembly 140 mounted within a top plate260, a bottom plate 270 and at least first and second support members210 and 220, respectively. As an add-on for some additional structuralstability, which stability is not essential, third support member 230can also be used. Support member 210 has an edge 214. A portion of edge214 is bonded to a portion of edge 262 of top plate 260, while anotherportion of edge 214 of support member 210 is bonded to a portion of anedge surface of bottom plate 270.

Continuing with FIG. 4, around the corner from support member 210, issecond support member 220. Second support member 220 is bonded to topand bottom plates 260 and 270 along different portions of a surface 222thereof. The portions of surface 222 of support member 220 are bonded toportions of an edge surface 264 of top plate 260 and edge surface 274 ofbottom plate 270.

Beamsplitter 130 may comprise of two panels bonded to each other along acommon surface. The common surface is an optically flat reflectingsurface having a beamsplitter coating thereon. Beamsplitter 130 isbonded along portions of top edges 137 to portions of bottom surface 267of top plate 260, and along portions of bottom edges 138 to portions oftop surface 278 of bottom plate 270. One panel of beamsplitter 130 is acompensating member. 40 The purpose of the compensating panel is toequate the material portions of the optical path difference of the twobeams created by the beamsplitter. Without the compensating panel, thebeam transmitted through the beamsplitter would travel through theoptical material of the beamsplitter twice, while the reflected beamwould travel through optical material zero times. By adding acompensating panel, ideally of the same thickness, wedge, and materialas the beamsplitter, both beams travel twice through equal portions ofoptical material before being recombined at the beamsplitter surface,thereby equating any differences they may have experienced in thatportion of their optical path length through material.

The support combination of first support member 210, second supportmember 220 and beamsplitter 130 between top plate 260 and bottom plate270 creates a monolithic structure. As early discussed, it is alsopossible to have third support member 230 situated between portions ofthird edge surfaces 266 and 276 of top and bottom plates 260 and 270,respectively, as seen in the figures

To complete the required reflecting elements of a Michelsoninterferometer, it is seen in the figures that a mirror panel 140 isbonded to a portion of top surface 278 of bottom plate 270, and to asecond edge surface 214 of support member 210. Mirror panel 140 isslightly over hanging top surface 278 of bottom plate 270 by a portionof a bottom edge surface of mirror panel 140, and is bonded betweenthese touching surfaces. Bonding also takes effect between the side edgesurface of mirror panel 140 that touches edge surface 214 of supportmember 210. Bonding must avoid distorting the optically flat nature ofthe reflecting surface 142 of mirror panel 140.

Since mirror panel 140 is fixedly attached to assembly 200, as has justbeen discussed, there is no necessity for panel 140 to be other than asingle, flat paneled mirror; for example, panel 140 does not need to bea retroreflector. One of the benefits of using a retroreflector (as hasbeen discussed earlier regarding movable reflecting assembly 150) in astructure is that the orientation of the retroreflector is unimportant.In the subject invention, the secured mounting of panel 140 to themonolithic structure assures that the orientation of panel 140 will notfluctuate due to vibration and shock, and therefore, a retroreflector isunnecessary (although a retroreflector could of course be utilized).

The portion of beam 120 that passes through beam splitter 130 andinteracts with retroreflector 152 may also be returned via a secondmirror panel, similar to mirror panel 140. This second mirror panel maybe made integral with second support member 220 or be a separate panelsupported by one or all of the second support member 220, edge 264 oftop plate 260 and bottom plate 270.

Assembly 200 can also have a fourth support member 240. While the mainpurpose of fourth support member 240 is not to help stabilize themonolithic structure of assembly 200, it is nevertheless called asupport member herein. Instead, fourth support member 240 is positionedin relation to the path traveled by beam 120 so as to allow beam 120 topass through opening 242 in member 240, to travel between beamsplitter130 and movable reflecting assembly 150. One or both of elements 244,246 can comprise reflecting elements for returning beam 120 toretroreflector 252.

All members 210, 220, 230, 240, 260, 270, 130 and 140, of assembly 200,may be made of the same material. The material preferably being fusedquartz or annealed Pyrex. The use of identical materials allows thecoefficients of expansion of the materials to be identical, so that anytemperature changes experienced by assembly 200 is experienced equallythroughout each member to allow assembly 200 to expand and contractuniformly, thereby removing the possibility of distortions in thereflecting surfaces of beamsplitter 130 and mirror panel 140.

The monolithic construction discussed above has the benefit of highthermal stability in its optical alignment. This stability derives fromthe construction of the unit from a single, low expansion material suchas Pyrex glass, fused silica, Zerodur or Cervit. However, in theapplication of infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, often calledFTIR, it may not be possible to fabricate the beamsplitter andcompensating plate from the same material as the assembly. This mayoccur when the need for high transmission in the infrared (“IR”) is notconsistent with available low expansion structural materials. Inparticular, the high IR transmission optical material may have a muchhigher thermal expansion coefficient.

Attaching optical elements having a thermal expansion coefficientdifferent from the expansion coefficient of the remainder of theassembly could introduce wavefront distortion in the interfering opticalbeams or even result in mechanical failure under temperature changes. Inorder to take advantage of the permanent optical alignment afforded by amonolithic assembly, the connection between optical elements, e.g.beamsplitter and compensating plate, and the rest of the monolithicassembly should transmit minimal stress from this assembly to theoptical elements under temperature changes.

FIG. 5 shows an improved monolithic interferometer 200. The basicmonolithic assembly is formed top plate 1, bottom plate 2, first supportmember 3 a, second support member 3 b and third support member 4. Theoutward facing surface 17 of third support member 4 serves as a mirror,reflecting beam 16 from retroreflector 152 and returning beam 16 toretroreflector 152. Mirror 5 is inwardly facing and has a mirror post 12a which is bonded to top plate 1 at post hole 12 b. Mounting post 6allows the monolithic interferometer 200 to be attached to theinterferometer assembly 100 of which it is part.

In a two-beam interferometer, two beams are created from a singleincident ray 13 striking beamsplitter 11. The two beams are thereflected beam 14 and the transmitted beam 15. Beam 14 is reflected bybeamsplitter 11 towards mirror 5. Beam 14 passes through compensatorplate 8 on the way to mirror 5 and returning to beamsplitter 11. In awell aligned interferometer, beam 14 is exactly perpendicular to fixedmirror 5. The transmitted beam 15, after exiting beamsplitter 11,proceeds to retroreflector 152 which reflects beam 16 back toward mirror17 on third support member 4. In a well aligned interferometer, beam 15is exactly parallel to beam 16, which is perpendicular to mirror 17.FIG. 2 is a plan view showing only the optical elements, lessretroreflector 152, and beams of the present invention.

It is the aim of the monolithic interferometer that once alignment isachieved during assembly, final assembly permanently and rigidly locksthis alignment into the structure.

Beamsplitter 11 and compensator 8 must be of material transmissive tothe light being processed by the interferometer, often IR light. It mustalso be wedged to prevent interference effects from the front and backsurfaces from creating ghost beams that can interfere with the mainbeams in the application. Compensator 8 is made of the same material asbeamsplitter 11 with substantially and ideally the same thickness andwedge angle to compensate the optical path 13-14 with the optical path15-16. Obviously, any means of improved mounting of beamsplitter 11 mustbe repeated for compensator 8.

Springs 9, mounting buttons 7 and pressure plates 18 are used to mountbeamsplitter 11 and compensator 8 in monolithic assembly 200. FIGS. 7,7B and 7C show details of the assembly 200. Section B-B is taken along adirection perpendicular to the vertical edges of beamsplitter 11 andcompensator 8. Top plate 1 is in cross-section to illustrate insertionof spring body 21 into spring hole 28. Spring arm 32 presses againstpressure plate 18 attached to the beamsplitter 11 and compensator 8.This pressure exerted on beamsplitter 11 and compensator 8 throughpressure plates 18 urges beamsplitter 11 and compensator 8 againstmounting buttons 7. A total of three buttons 7, springs 9, and pressureplates 10 are used to achieve 3-point mounting of the beamsplitter 11and compensator 8.

Each spring body 21 may be bonded in hole 28. This arrangement isfurther shown in perspective in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 shows further detail ofthe mounting scheme, in a perspective view with assembly members notshown. In this embodiment, two spring-pad-button arrangements peroptical element are utilized in engaging the top plate 1 and onespring-pad-button arrangement is utilized per optical element inengaging the bottom plate 2. The outside surface of the spring body 21is bonded to the inner surface of the hole 28.

Pressure pads 10 are bonded to beamsplitter 11 and compensator 8. Thepressure pads prevent damage of optical element surfaces by spring arm32. Alternatively pads 7 may be fused directly to those members.

Fixturing must be done to assure that the planes formed by thecontacting cylindrical surfaces of buttons 7 are properly orientedbefore the monolithic assembly is fixed, to facilitate the alignment ofthe interferometer. Once fixturing is accomplished, all buttons 7 andspring arms 32 may be bonded to the respective beamsplitter 11 orcompensator 8. When beamsplitter 11 and compensator 8 expand, they willexpand only laterally. This preserves their optical surfaces againstbending and warping. The bonding method used must be sufficientlyflexible so as to not interfere with this slight expansion, yet strongenough to guarantee resistance of the assembly to shocks.

FIG. 10 shows a detailed view of the springs 9. Body 21 is formed withdiameter slightly larger than the holes 28. This facilitates thefrictional holding of these springs in holes 28. Gap 23 facilitates theinsertion of the springs 9 into their respective holes 28. Holes 36permit oozing of liquid bonding material into the interior area of thespring during curing. The liquid bonding material will tend to formplugs in holes 24, helping to resist the rotation of the assembly. Hole35 on the end of the spring arm 32 aids in assembly, by permitting theassembler to grab and pull back the flex arm using a hook or other tooltemporarily inserted into this hole. In this manner, the flex arm 32 maybe retracted to clear the beamsplitter 11 or compensator 8 while it isbeing installed.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely forthe purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limitingof the present invention. While the invention has been described withreference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words whichhave been used herein are words of description and illustration, ratherthan words of limitations. Further, although the invention has beendescribed herein with reference to particular means, materials andembodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to theparticulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention extends to allfunctionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are withinthe scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having thebenefit of the teachings of this specification, may achieve numerousmodifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention in its aspects.

1-13. (canceled)
 14. An optical assembly for use with a precisioninstrument, comprising: a beamsplitter having a first face and a secondface; a frame assembly comprising: a first plate and a second platehaving the beamsplitter extending therebetween; and a beamsplittersecuring apparatus having one or more spring arms and one or moremounting buttons, the one or more spring arms each having a free endengaging the second face of the beamsplitter and an end attached to oneof either the first plate or the second plate, the one or more mountingbuttons each attached to one of either the first plate or the secondplate and the one or more mounting buttons engaging the beamsplitterfirst face.
 15. The optical assembly of claim 14, wherein at least oneof the first face and the second face of the beamsplitter has limited orno exposure to bending and warping.
 16. The optical assembly of claim14, further comprising: a first support member bonded between a firstportion of the first plate and a first portion of the second plate; anda second support member bonded between a second portion of the firstplate and a second portion of the second plate.
 17. The optical assemblyof claim 16, wherein one or more materials of the first plate, thesecond plate, the first support member and the second support membereach comprise at least one of the same material or materials havingsubstantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion.
 18. The opticalassembly of claim 17, further comprising a mirror attached to the frameassembly, the mirror having a reflecting surface in a reflectingrelation with the beamsplitter, wherein the optical assembly issubstantially stable regarding the reflective relationship between themirror and the beamsplitter.
 19. The optical assembly of claim 18,further comprising: a compensator disposed between the mirror and thebeamsplitter, the compensator having a first face and a second face; anda compensator securing apparatus having one or more spring arms and oneor more mounting buttons, the one or more spring arms of the compensatorsecuring apparatus each having a free end engaging the second face ofthe compensator and an end attached to one of either the first plate orthe second plate, the one or more mounting buttons of the compensatorsecuring apparatus each attached to one of either the first plate or thesecond plate and the one or more mounting buttons of the compensatorsecuring apparatus engaging the first face of the compensator, whereinat least one of the first face and the second face of the compensatorhas limited or no exposure to bending and warping.
 20. The opticalassembly of claim 19, wherein: the attached end of at least one of theone or more spring arms of at least one of the beamsplitter securingapparatus and the compensator securing apparatus comprises a cylindricalmember; and the first plate and the second plate further comprise one ormore securing apparatus holes sized and shaped to receive thecylindrical member of the attached end of the at least one of the one ormore spring arms of at least one of the beamsplitter securing apparatusand the compensator securing apparatus.
 21. The optical assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the cylindrical member of at least one of thebeamsplitter securing apparatus and the compensator securing apparatusfurther comprises a gap, the gap operating to permit the cylindricalmember to compress and be inserted into the one or more securingapparatus holes and to be held in the one or more securing apparatusholes by friction.
 22. The optical assembly of claim 21, wherein atleast one of the beamsplitter securing apparatus and the compensatorsecuring apparatus further comprises pressure plates attached to therespective beamsplitter or compensator at the point of engagementbetween the free end of the one or more spring arms and the second faceof the beamsplitter or compensator.
 23. The optical assembly of claim21, further comprising a second mirror attached to the frame assembly,the second mirror having a reflecting surface facing away from aninterior space of the frame assembly, the second mirror being inreflecting relation to the beamsplitter through a retroreflector. 24.The optical assembly of claim 21, wherein at least one of thebeamsplitter securing apparatus and the compensator securing apparatuscomprises a three-point mounting having two sets of the one or moremounting buttons and the one or more springs arms on one of the firstplate or the second plate and one set of the one or more mountingbuttons and the one or more spring arms on the other of the first plateor the second plate.
 25. The optical assembly of claim 14, wherein atleast one of: the beamsplitter securing apparatus further comprises oneor more pressure plates attached to the beamsplitter at the point ofengagement between the free end of the one or more spring arms and thesecond face of the beamsplitter; and the beamsplitter securing apparatuscomprises a three-point mounting having two sets of the one or moremounting buttons and the one or more spring arms on one of the firstplate or the second plate and one set of the one or more mountingbuttons and the one or more spring arms on the other of the first plateor the second plate.
 26. A method of assembling an optical assembly,comprising the steps of: disposing a beamsplitter having a first faceand a second face in between a first plate and a second plate such thatthe beamsplitter extends between the first plate and the second plate;attaching one or more mounting buttons to one of either the first plateor the second plate such that the one or more mounting buttons eachengage the first face of the beamsplitter; and attaching a first end ofeach of one or more spring arms to the one of either the first plate orthe second plate that the one or more mounting buttons is attached suchthat a second end of each of the one or more spring arms engages thesecond face of the beamsplitter and secures the beamsplitter between theone or more mounting buttons and the one or more spring arms.
 27. Themethod of claim 26, wherein: the attaching of the one or more mountingbuttons step further comprises attaching a first mounting button and asecond mounting button of the one or more mounting buttons on one of thefirst plate or the second plate and attaching a third mounting button ofthe one or more mounting buttons on the other of the first plate or thesecond plate; and the attaching of the first end of each of the one ormore spring arms step further comprises attaching a first end of a firstspring arm and a first end of a second spring arm of the one or morespring arms on the one of the first plate or the second plate andattaching a first end of a third spring arm of the one or more springarms on the other of the first plate or the second plate such that thebeamsplitter is securely mounted in three points of engagement locatedbetween the first mounting button and the second end of thecorresponding first spring arm, the second mounting button and thesecond end of the corresponding second spring arm and the third mountingbutton and the second end of the corresponding third spring arm.
 28. Themethod of claim 27, further comprising: disposing a compensator having afirst face and a second face in between the first plate and the secondplate such that the compensator extends between the first plate and thesecond plate, wherein the compensator is aligned with, and/orsubstantially parallel to, the beamsplitter; attaching one or more othermounting buttons to one of either the first plate or the second platesuch that the one or more other mounting buttons each engage the firstface of the compensator; and attaching a first end of each of one ormore other spring arms to the one of either the first plate or thesecond plate that the one or more other mounting buttons is attachedsuch that a second end of each of the one or more other spring armsengages the second face of the compensator and secures the compensatorbetween the one or more other mounting buttons and the corresponding oneor more other spring arms.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein: theattaching of the one or more other mounting buttons step furthercomprises attaching a first other mounting button and a second othermounting button of the one or more other mounting buttons on one of thefirst plate or the second plate and attaching a third other mountingbutton of the one or more other mounting buttons on the other of thefirst plate or the second plate; and the attaching of the first end ofeach of one or more other spring arms step further comprises attaching afirst end of a first other spring arm and a first end of a second otherspring arm of the one or more other spring arms on the one of the firstplate or the second plate and attaching a first end of a third otherspring arm of the one or more other spring arms on the other of thefirst plate or the second plate such that the compensator is securelymounted in three points of engagement located between the first othermounting button and the second end of the corresponding first otherspring arm, the second other mounting button and the second end of thecorresponding second other spring arm and the third other mountingbutton and the second end of the corresponding third other spring arm.30. The method of claim 29, further comprising at least one of:retracting the one or more spring arms and the one or more other springarms to at least one of insert and remove at least one of thebeamsplitter and the compensator between the first plate and the secondplate; and attaching one or more pressure plates to at least one of thebeamsplitter and the compensator at the points of engagement between thesecond end of each of the one or more spring arms and the second face ofthe beamsplitter and at the points of engagement between the second endof each of the one or more other spring arms and the second face of thecompensator.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein: the attached first endof each of the one or more spring arms and the attached first end ofeach of the one or more other spring arms comprise a cylindrical memberhaving a gap that operates to permit the cylindrical member to compress;and the first plate and the second plate further include one or moresecuring holes that are sized and shaped to receive the correspondingcompressed cylindrical member of the attached first end of each of theone or more spring arms and the attached first end of each of the one ormore other spring arms.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising:compressing the cylindrical member of the attached first end of each ofthe one or more spring arms and the attached first end of each of theone or more other spring arms; and inserting the cylindrical member ofthe attached first end of each of the one or more spring arms and theattached first end of each of the one or more other spring arms into thecorresponding one or more securing holes such that the cylindricalmembers of the one or more spring arms and the cylindrical members ofthe one or more other spring arms are held in each of theircorresponding securing holes by friction.
 33. The method of claim 32,further comprising placing adhesive in the one or more securing holessuch that the adhesive bonds the cylindrical members of the one or morespring arms and the cylindrical members of the one or more other springarms, thereby resisting and/or preventing the rotation of the springarms and the other spring arms within the assembly.
 34. The method ofclaim 32, further comprising attaching one or more pressure plates to atleast one of the beamsplitter and the compensator at the points ofengagement between the second end of each of the one or more spring armsand the second face of the beamsplitter and at the points of engagementbetween the second end of each of the one or more other spring arms andthe second face of the compensator.
 35. The method of claim 34, furthercomprising: bonding a first support member between a first portion ofthe first plate and a first portion of the second plate; and bonding asecond support member between a second portion of the first plate and asecond portion of the second plate.
 36. The method of claim 35, whereinthe one or more materials of the first plate, second plate, the firstsupport member and the second support member each comprise at least oneof the same material or materials having substantially the samecoefficient of thermal expansion.
 37. The method of claim 36, furthercomprising at least one of: attaching a mirror to at least one of thefirst plate, the second plate, the first support member and the secondsupport member such that the mirror has a reflecting surface in areflecting relation with the beamsplitter, wherein the optical assemblyis substantially stable regarding the reflective relationship betweenthe mirror and the beamsplitter; attaching a second mirror to at leastone of the first plate, the second plate, the first support member andthe second support member such that the second mirror has a reflectingsurface facing away from an interior space between the first plate, thesecond plate, the first support member and the second support member,wherein the second mirror is in reflecting relation to the beamsplitterthrough a retroreflector; and aligning one or more of the first plate,the second plate, the first support member, the second support member,the mirror, the second mirror, the beamsplitter, the compensator, theone or more mounting buttons and the one or more spring arms beforelocking the alignment in place with at least one of friction, fusing andbonding.
 38. A system for securing one or more optical elements of anoptical assembly, comprising: at least one spring arm having a first endand a second end, the first end operating to engage a first face of atleast one optical element of an optical assembly and the second endoperating to attach to one of either a first plate or a second plate ofthe optical assembly; and at least one mounting button that operates toattach to the one of either the first plate or the second plate and themounting button operating to engage a second face of the at least oneoptical element of the optical assembly.
 39. The system of claim 38,further comprising a three-point mounting arrangement having two sets ofthe at least one mounting button and the at least one spring arm on oneof the first plate or the second plate and one set of the at least onemounting button and the at least one spring arm on the other of thefirst plate or the second plate such that one or more optical surfacesof the at least one optical element are preserved against, or unaffectedby, at least one of bending and warping.
 40. The system of claim 38,wherein: the at least one optical element is at least one of: abeamsplitter and a compensator plate; and the at least one opticalelement extends between the first plate and the second plate.
 41. Thesystem of claim 40, wherein the second end of the at least one springarm further comprises a cylindrical member, the cylindrical memberoperating to be inserted into, and releasably attached to, one or moresecuring holes formed within at least one of the first plate and thesecond plate.
 42. The system of claim 41, wherein the cylindrical memberfurther comprises a gap extending along a length of the cylindricalmember, the gap operating to permit the cylindrical member to compress,thereby reducing a diameter of the cylindrical member, and be insertedinto and held in the one or more securing holes by at least one offriction, fusing, and bonding via adhesive.
 43. The system of claim 42,wherein the cylindrical member includes at least one hole extending froman exterior surface of the cylindrical member to an interior surface ofthe cylindrical member, the at least one hole operating to permit oozingof the adhesive into an interior area of the cylindrical member duringcuring of the adhesive when bonding or fusing the cylindrical member tothe one or more securing holes.
 44. The system of claim 42, furthercomprising one or more pressure plates that operate to attach to the atleast one optical element at a point of engagement between the first endof the spring arm and the first face of the at least one optical elementsuch that the one or more pressure plates prevent damage to the firstface of the at least one optical element from the first end of thespring arm.
 45. The system of claim 44, wherein the one or more pressureplates comprise at least one harder material than the at least oneoptical element.
 46. The system of claim 44, further comprising athree-point mounting arrangement having two sets of the at least onemounting button and the at least one spring arm on one of the firstplate or the second plate and one set of the at least one mountingbutton and the at least one spring arm on the other of the first plateor the second plate such that one or more optical surfaces of the atleast one optical element are preserved against at least one of bendingand warping.
 47. The system of claim 42, wherein at least one of: thefirst end of the at least one spring arm operates to be refracted toclear the at least one optical element for removal or installation intothe optical assembly; and the first end of the at least one spring armfurther includes a flex arm hole that operates to permit the first endof the at least one spring arm to be refracted to clear the at least oneoptical element for removal or installation into the optical assembly.48. A spring for securing one or more optical elements of an opticalassembly, comprising: a spring arm having a first end and a second end,the first end operating to engage a first face of at least one opticalelement of an optical assembly and the second end operating to attach toone of either a first plate or a second plate of the optical assembly.49. The spring of claim 48, wherein at least one of: the first end ofthe at least one spring arm operates to be refracted to clear the atleast one optical element for removal or installation into the opticalassembly; and the first end of the at least one spring arm furtherincludes a flex arm hole that operates to permit the first end of the atleast one spring arm to be refracted to clear the at least one opticalelement for removal or installation into the optical assembly.
 50. Thespring of claim 48, wherein at least one of: the spring operates tosecure the at least one optical element in between the first end of thespring arm and a mounting button disposed on an opposite side of the atleast one optical element; the at least one optical element is at leastone of: a beamsplitter and a compensator plate; and the at least oneoptical element extends between the first plate and the second plate.51. The spring of claim 50, wherein the second end of the at least onespring arm further comprises a cylindrical member, the cylindricalmember operating to be inserted into, and releasably attached to, one ormore securing holes formed within at least one of the first plate andthe second plate.
 52. The spring of claim 51, wherein: the cylindricalmember has a diameter that is at least slightly larger than the one ormore securing holes; and the cylindrical member further comprises a gapextending along a length of the cylindrical member, the gap operating topermit the cylindrical member to compress, thereby reducing the diameterof the cylindrical member, and be inserted into and held in the one ormore securing holes by at least one of friction, fusing, and bonding viaadhesive.
 53. The spring of claim 52, wherein the cylindrical memberincludes at least one hole extending from an exterior surface of thecylindrical member to an interior surface of the cylindrical member, theat least one hole operating to permit oozing of the adhesive into aninterior area of the cylindrical member during curing of the adhesivewhen bonding or fusing the cylindrical member to the one or moresecuring holes.